St. Gallen: Plans for library revised
The merged cantonal and municipal library in a central location will be somewhat smaller than originally planned.
The canton and the city of St. Gallen have presented adjustments to the "New Library" project at the Blumenmarkt site. This interim step is intended to pave the way for the municipal special use plan procedure. The results are available to the public until July 11.
The cantonal and municipal libraries are to be merged at the new central location. There was criticism from political circles when the plans were presented in 2023. The revision now involves a reduction in the cost of structural investments. The new building will be lower than originally planned, one of the planned basement levels will be omitted and the proportion of glass on the façade will be reduced. The implementation of the new library project under planning law requires a zoning plan amendment, a special use plan, a road project and a partial road plan. The winning project "Doppeldecker" by Staab Architekten forms the basis for these planning instruments.
The project, including the cost breakdown, is to be finalized in the coming months. The cantonal government and the city council want to approve the plans in parliament at the beginning of 2026. A decision at the ballot box is planned for 2027. Completion is expected in 2032.
